Martinez stands down as Belgium coach after World Cup exit

The Red Devils were dumped out after a scoreless draw with Croatia.

FULL TIME: Belgium manager Roberto Martinez with Jeremy Doku (right) and Thorgan Hazard. Picture: Nick Potts/PA Wire.

Belgium coach Roberto Martinez stepped down on Thursday following his side’s World Cup first-round exit, saying he had made the decision to end his six-year tenure some time ago and would have left even if they had been crowned champions.

"This was my last game as coach of the national team. That's emotional," he said. "I can't go on. I said goodbye to the players and staff. I was going to stop anyway - whatever happened.